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Chapter 17
Link:- Having explained the three kinds of sacrifice, in the preceding three verses, the Lord, in the next three verses, explains three kinds of penance of the body, of speech and of mind, their differentiation as Sattvika, Rajasika and Tamasika will be explained at a later stage.
devadvijaguruprajnapujanam saucamarjavam
brahmacaryamahimsa ca sariram tapa ucyate
Worship of the gods, of the Brahmanas, teachers, elders and the wise (liberated soul) with purity, uprightness, celibacy and nonviolence - this is said to be, the penance (tapa) of the body. 14
Comment:-
Devadvijaguruprajnaprajanam:- Here the term 'Deva', particularly stands for Lord Visnu, Lord Siva, Ganesa, Goddess Durga and the Sun-god, the five chief deities of the category of the Lord. So a devotee, should worship his favourite deity, out of the five, without having any desire for fruit.[1]
Twelve Aditya, eight Vasus, eleven Rudras and two Asvinikumaras - these thirty-three gods, are also included in the term 'Deva'. The gods, who are worshipped in sacrifices, pilgrimages, fasts (vows) on special festivals and occasions, such as sacred-thread ceremony and marriages etc., are also included, in the term Deva. Their worship is sanctioned by scriptures.
So, they should be worshipped, in accordance with ordinance of the scriptures. Though the term Dvija' (twice-born), denotes Brahmanas, Ksatriyas and VaiSyas, but here in the context of worship, it stands only for, the Brahmanas.
Here the term 'Gum' (teachers) stand for parents, elders, preceptors and those, who are senior in age, and superior, learning and social order etc. Obedience and service to them, offering flowers, incense, light and food, to them and steps to please them - all these are included in their worship.
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